Trio of early morning thieves target cars in Three Oaks Parkway gated community in Estero

A trio of suspects in early morning vehicle burglaries in an Estero gated community were caught on camera at the Walmart in Estero after they allegedly tried to use a bank card later found to have been stolen from a vehicle in the community.(Photo: Special to The News-Press)

A gated community off Three Oaks Parkway in Estero was the target of thieves who broke into several cars, most of which were unlocked.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office said the incidents happened along Tin Maple Drive where the alleged thieves entered multiple cars taking wallets and personal identification.

In one incident, thieves smashed through a car window in pursuit of a wallet left on the front seat.

Shortly after the break-ins, three suspects were caught on camera trying to use a stolen bank card at the nearby Walmart on Estero Parkway. An attempt to buy $633.88 in prepaid phone cards was declined by the bank.

A car connected to a trio of suspects in early morning vehicle burglaries in an Estero gated community was caught on camera at the Walmart in Estero after the suspects allegedly tried to use a bank card later found to have been stolen from a vehicle in the community.(Photo: Special to The News-Press)

The young men are also accused of prying open the door of another vehicle to pop the lock and enter the car. Credit cards were stolen from that incident but have not yet been used.

Detectives believe the suspects are also connected with multiple other burglary cases over the last week in the Estero area and are believed to be driving in a dark-colored sedan.

Anyone with information on the identities and whereabouts of the suspects are asked to call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.